Attempted murder charge urged in Finley crash

The Benton County Sheriff's Office is asking prosecutors to charge a 33-year-old man who allegedly drove his truck deliberately into two patrol cars early Tuesday with attempted murder, a sheriff's office spokesman said.

Shane DeWeber was listed in stable condition at Trios Health, formerly Kennewick General Hospital, on Wednesday night. The Finley man was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries he suffered in the crash, police said.

Deputies plan to take DeWeber into custody immediately after he is released from the hospital, said Lt. Chuck Jones. DeWeber could be released as early as today, Jones said.

Deputies plan to book DeWeber into the Benton County jail while prosecutors review his case, Jones said. The sheriff's office recommended prosecutors charge DeWeber with attempted murder, second-degree assault and felony eluding.

Investigators found evidence that indicates DeWeber may have been under the influence of narcotics when he reportedly tried to break into his wife's house and led police on a high-speed chase that later ended in the crash, Jones said.

DeWeber also allegedly pulled a sword and threatened deputies when they first encountered him.

The crash destroyed the two patrol cars. A Kennewick officer and sheriff's deputy involved in the crash were not injured.